Published Apr 05, 2026 | 2:56 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 05, 2026 | 2:56 PM
Vishu kits were allegedly distributed by the BJP in Thrissur.
Synopsis: Allegations were raised in Kerala after free Vishu kits containing 12 food items were distributed to residents of Sivaramapuram Unnathi in Olari. Leaders of the LDF and the Congress alleged that the kits were supplied on the behest of a BJP leader to influence the elections. The police have registered an FIR, and an investigation is underway.
The BJP in Kerala is facing allegations in the Thrissur district over the distribution of free Vishu kits containing 12 food items to residents of Sivaramapuram Unnathi in Olari, allegedly to influence voters ahead of the election.
According to LDF and Congress leaders, slips for the kits were distributed among residents and the items were collected from Karthika Supermarket near Parthasarathy Temple.
Meanwhile, an election flying squad seized 26 household kits worth around ₹900 each during a raid in Thrissur.
The inspection, led by Executive Magistrate Dr Bindu TN, took place near Olari Parthasarathy Temple and Karthika Supermarket, where the kits were allegedly being distributed in Sivaramapuram Colony.
Officials said the distribution could amount to electoral bribery under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 4 April, when the Election Flying Squad-1 conducted a surprise check near Olari Parthasarathy Temple and Karthika Supermarket. During the operation, officials intercepted the unauthorised distribution of 26 household kits in Sivaramapuram Colony.
According to officials, each kit was valued at around ₹900 and contained various household items.
Preliminary inquiries at the site revealed that the distribution was allegedly carried out under the instructions of an individual identified as Radhakrishnan. Further investigation indicated that as many as 75 kits had already been distributed before the squad arrived.
Authorities stated that the acts amount to violations under Sections 170(1)(1) and 173 of the BNS, along with Section 123(A)(1) of the Representation of the People Act, which deal with electoral malpractices.
Since the offences fall under the non-cognisable category, the police obtained prior permission from the jurisdictional Magistrate before proceeding with legal action.
Following this, Thrissur West Police registered FIR No. 280/2026 and launched a detailed investigation. Officials said the probe would focus on identifying all those involved and ensuring strict enforcement of election laws to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing electoral process.
The issue first came to light after LDF workers noticed people arriving at the supermarket to collect the kits.
They staged a protest, informed the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), and soon the Election Flying Squad and police reached the spot and shut down the supermarket. Thrissur West Police later registered a case based on a report filed by Election Executive Magistrate Dr Bindu.
Congress workers also protested outside the supermarket under the leadership of the Ayyanthole area committee.
LDF leaders alleged that more than 100 slips had been distributed. They claimed the distribution was organised by local BJP leader Radhakrishnan and that the kits were handed out from a godown behind the supermarket.
A group of LDF activists, led by CPI State Executive Member VS Sunil Kumar and LDF Thrissur Assembly constituency election committee president Anoop Davis, reached the supermarket after receiving information about the distribution.
LDF chief election agent KB Sumesh also pointed out that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Thrissur West Police had registered a similar case following allegations of cash distribution in the same Unnathi area.
The supermarket owner said Radhakrishnan had placed an order for around 75 kits, of which 10 had already been distributed, but claimed he did not know Radhakrishnan’s political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that the BJP had prepared nearly 9,000 kits for distribution among voters.
Radhakrishnan, who allegedly ordered the kits, has been named as the first accused in the case. Charges under the Representation of the People Act have also been filed against him.
CPI(M) workers claimed that around 50 people had collected the kits from the supermarket. The kits reportedly contained 18 items and alleged that women came to collect the kits at the instruction of Radhakrishnan.
Former Congress MP and senior leader TN Prathapan told South First that the Congress is planning to appoint an observation team in every local area to monitor illegal activities similar to this. He said the squad would also inspect such matters because they do not trust some officers in the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar alleged that money, liquor and kits were being distributed to manipulate the election.
He said the BJP was repeating what it had done in 2024 and described it as a blatant violation of election rules. He also accused BJP leaders of influencing supermarket owners and claimed that central leaders were arriving with boxes of cash.
According to the supermarket owner, the kits were prepared for Vishu, and Radhakrishnan had asked for them. The owner said the kits were being prepared behind the supermarket premises. Of 75 kits that had been prepared, 50 were distributed.
Following the incident, the supermarket was shut down.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
